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Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

American Kestrel

Barred Owl

Eastern Screech Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Merlin

Snowy Owl

Great-gray Owl

Northern Goshawk

Osprey

Great-horned Owl

Bird of prey or predatory bird, also known as raptors, refers to several species of birds that hunt and feed on rodents and other small animals. The term raptor is derived from the Latin word rapere, meaning to seize or take by force. These birds are characterized by keen vision that allows them to detect their prey during flight, as well as powerful talons and beaks.

Taken literally, the term bird of prey has a wide meaning that includes many birds that hunt and feed on animals and also birds that eat very small insects. In ornithology, the definition for "bird of prey" has a narrower meaning: birds that have very good eyesight for finding food, strong feet for holding food, and a strong curved beak for tearing flesh.